Quantum Computing and the Global Race: Can India Catch Up?

Hindu College Gazette Web Team
7 days ago
8 min read

A futuristic quantum computer with glowing circuits, metallic structure, and complex machinery set in a dimly lit, modern environment. — *Image Credits- Pinterest*

The world is moving towards a new revolution; with the advent of quantum computers, computing and calculations that a regular computer would take thousands of years to do are done in a few minutes. Willow, a quantum computer recently developed by Google, can perform a standard benchmark test in under five minutes, an operation that would take today’s most advanced supercomputer an astonishing 10 septillion (10²⁵) years to solve. To put this into perspective, this timeframe far exceeds the estimated age of the universe.

While this advancement would grease the wheels for significant breakthroughs in cryptography and artificial intelligence, it simultaneously raises profound concerns. This article aims to analyse the global race for quantum supremacy and assess India's position in this emerging technological frontier.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computers are a paradigm revolution in computing based on quantum mechanics-the physics of subatomic particle behaviour. Just as classical computing is in the binary logic paradigm, quantum computing is driven by the intrinsic indeterminacy of the quantum world, which allows one to solve problems beyond classical reach.

Quantum computing uses a phenomenon called “superposition”, which is the condition of particles existing in more than one state simultaneously, and “entanglement”, where particles can get instantaneously correlated at large distances. Unlike bits used in traditional computing that exist in the state of either 0 or 1, a quantum computer uses qubits or quantum bits that exist simultaneously as 0’s and 1’s. To put it another way, imagine qubits as a coin spinning in the air. While spinning, these coins are in a state of both heads and tails (superposition). This lets quantum computers explore countless possibilities simultaneously, like solving a maze by walking every path at the same time. But once you stop the spin (measure the qubit), the coin collapses to a single outcome with 0 or 1. A classic example would be Schrödinger's cat who is dead and alive at the same time until you open the box.

Amidst the so-called 4th industrial revolution, a larger concern looms. Although quantum computing promises breakthroughs in various fields, it also brings several challenges that cannot be ignored. The high costs of development and maintenance limit accessibility to a few powerful entities. Ethical concerns arise regarding its potential misuse, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and cryptography. Additionally, quantum computers require extreme cooling and significant energy consumption, raising ecological concerns in an era increasingly focused on sustainability. Among these challenges, one of the most pressing is its impact on privacy. Quantum computers can easily break classical encryption techniques, rendering the government, businesses, and individuals puzzled over how to protect sensitive information in the quantum world.

Global Response to the Quantum Threat

With quantum technologies being considered a foot in the door towards the 4th industrial revolution, a race has already started between countries to harness this emerging technology and secure a dominant global position, with the United States and China being at the forefront.

United States, the dominant lead

The United States already entered the quantum race in 2018 with the enactment of the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA) “to accelerate quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States.” NQIA has laid the cornerstone for coordinated research by several initiatives across various agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE), National Science Foundation (NSF), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The CHIPS (Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America) and Science Act of 2022 also supports quantum research with massive investments in domestic quantum computing and semiconductor development. DARPA (Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency), under its initiative called the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), focuses on the acceleration of quantum-based solutions. Along with these advances on the utility and scalability of quantum computers, the US government also prioritised one of the major threats, data privacy. Quantum computers with their gargantuan computational powers can break traditional encryption methods leaving sensitive data at risk. Recognising this threat, CISA launched the Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Initiative aiming to unify and drive agency efforts to address threats posed by quantum computing. These efforts will secure the US’s dominant position in the quantum computing space.

Defensive quantum computing by China

While the US is trying to secure a dominant position, China is also expanding its horizons in this space. According to a report from McKinsey, China has committed $15.3 billion in public funds to quantum computing investments, far exceeding the investments by the EU and the US combined. Although the sheer scale of investments signals an ambition to dominate the “new superpower race”, China has a rather defensive approach to utilising quantum technologies. While the US is focusing on quantum computing and sensing capabilities, China is rapidly advancing in quantum communications, focusing more on data security and resistance to quantum powered attacks. This approach appears to be driven by concerns stemming from the 2013 Snowden leaks. However, this emphasis on quantum communication doesn’t mean a compromise with advancements in quantum computing. Interestingly, researchers at Shanghai University have found that a quantum computer from the Canadian firm D-Wave can effectively crack a popular encryption method. It was found that the machine can attack Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) encryption, which is used by web browsers, VPNs, email services, and chips from brands like Samsung and LG. Additionally, it can also target the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which the US government adopted in 2001. Furthermore, the 13th and 14th five year plan lists positioning quantum communications as vital to its long-term objectives. Projects like creation of the National Laboratory for Quantum Information Sciences and Micius satellite underscore China’s emphasis on utilising quantum technology. As China continues to refine its quantum roadmap, its dual focus on both offensive and defensive capabilities in quantum computing and communication could significantly reshape global cybersecurity and technological power dynamics in the years to come.

India’s National Quantum Mission

In India, April 2023 marked the launch of the National Quantum Mission, which has the Department of Science and Technology at its helm, with the government allocating ₹6,000 crores (approximately $960 million) for the project. This will promote scientific and industrial research and development and create an ecosystem for innovative applications of quantum technologies, centred on building quantum computers. The main goal of the mission is to develop quantum computers with processing capacities of between 50 and 1,000 qubits and to establish educational and working institutions over the next decade. The National Quantum Mission (NQM) has set up four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) focusing on Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices, concentrating on fundamental and applied research. With an acute awareness of the need for infrastructure, C-DAC(Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) is developing a Quantum Reference Facility in Bengaluru to set the benchmark for quantum computing progress in the nation. To this end, there is also the MeitY Quantum Computing Applications Lab, which, in collaboration with AWS(Amazon Web Services), provides access to cloud-based quantum computing for researchers and government agencies, with a view to the fast-tracking of quantum algorithm growth.

While the government has taken steps through the National Quantum Mission, private companies are also playing a role in India's quantum journey. Private companies like Infosys and TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) are also stepping into the realm of quantum computing recognizing its transformative potential across industries. Infosys is actively engaging in this space through its Quantum Living Labs, which allows clients to explore and implement quantum computing use cases. Meanwhile, TCS is exploring quantum computing to aid in designing lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft, a critical step toward reducing carbon emissions. India’s quantum computing startup scene is also developing at a very rapid rate, and some of them are doing very well. BosonQ Psi is developing software solutions for aerospace and automotive quantum applications.

India’s progress in quantum computing lags behind global leaders like the U.S. and China due to critical gaps in investment, research, and policy. While China has committed $15.3 billion and the U.S. has channeled substantial funds through initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act, India’s quantum investments remain insufficient to match these advancements. This underinvestment is mirrored in academic output: between 2000 and 2018, Indian researchers published only 1,711 papers on quantum technologies, compared to China’s 12,110 and the U.S.’s 13,489, as per a Max Planck Institute analysis. A key concern is India’s lack of a dedicated roadmap for post-quantum cryptography, unlike the U.S., which launched initiatives such as the CISA Post-Quantum Cryptography Initiative to counter quantum-era cybersecurity threats. Domestically, neither businesses nor government sectors are adequately prepared for potential encryption crises, as India’s legal framework fails to address vulnerabilities posed by quantum advancements. Without significant funding, a strategic focus on countering quantum threats, and robust regulatory measures, India risks falling further behind in the global quantum race.

India at the Crossroads of the Quantum Revolution

While the quantum revolution energises the world into technological development, India stands on a critical juncture. The launch of the National Quantum Mission signals intent, but to secure its standing, the nation must move beyond ambition to decisive action. A multifaceted strategy is needed to bridge gaps in investment, legal frameworks, and cybersecurity preparedness.

First, The National Quantum Mission currently lacks facilities for large-scale quantum experiments, slowing the progress thus. To address this, the government can establish National Quantum Centers equipped with cutting-edge experimental setups, fabrication labs, and simulation platforms. The hubs will, in turn, serve as a focal point for research, fostering collaboration and accelerating innovation.

Second, addressing the talent gap is imperative. India faces a grave shortage of researchers, scholars and scientists in the realm of quantum computing with many seeking opportunities abroad. In order to retain and attract the talent, the government can incentivise researchers to pursue this stream through scholarships and; in collaboration with universities, introduce programs to further propel advancements in research.

Third, given the potential cybersecurity threats posed by quantum computing, early regulation is critical to safeguarding the sensitive data and national security interests. India needs a dedicated National Quantum Regulatory Authority, akin to the U.S. National Quantum Initiative that will oversee ethical considerations, set compliance standards and ensure secure integration of quantum technologies into national infrastructure.

Lastly, success lies in collaboration, partnering with giants like Google and IBM and emerging startups to transfer and access international expertise. Active participation in global alliances, such as the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), will provide India with strategic leverage in shaping global quantum policies.

In the absence of strong regulatory strategy, a hefty funding assurance, and a focus on counteracting quantum threats to digital infrastructure, India may discover itself trailing the herd and never leading it in this quantum revolution. A robust quantum ecosystem demands concrete action, not just intent. For India to emerge as a key player in the quantum revolution, it must prioritize establishing National Quantum Centers, retaining skilled talent, fostering global partnerships, and implementing strong regulatory frameworks. Balancing infrastructure development, human capital enhancement, and effective governance will drive technological advancement while safeguarding national security. Much like cybersecurity, which relies on legal safeguards and transparency, a coherent quantum strategy emphasizing innovation without compromising security can position India as a global leader in quantum technologies. By addressing these pillars systematically, India can secure its position at the forefront of the quantum era.

By Nishant Tripathi

Nishant Tripathi is a law student at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University. He writes about law, technology, and intellectual property. His work explores the intersection of policy and innovation, analyzing contemporary legal issues in a broader socio-legal context.

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